two-season masterpiece was canceled too soon, there are certainly other detective shows out there that are gritty slow-burners to satisfy those who prefer this more deliberated, meditative style.

True Detective season 1 remains a masterpiece, and will scratch the itch left by Mindhunter. While the later seasons received mixed reviews, this flagship outing is still often considered one of the best installments of television ever made. True Detective is a fictional story, unlike Mindhunter being based on true events, but it is inspired by the ritualistic acts of the Hosanna Church scandal in Louisiana.

True Detective Season 1 Is The Perfect Show For Those Who Miss Mindhunter

Its Moody Southern Gothic Tone Will Transport You Away From Other Shows' Breakneck Pace

True Detective season 1 is not only the best season of the series, but one of the most well-written, brilliant detective shows out there in general. For those who miss Mindhunter's refreshingly slow and measured pacing, True Detective's Southern gothic settings as well as its existentialist themes are both immersive and fascinating.

The actors' performances, as in Mindhunter, are memorable and outstanding, the first season being led by Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey. It is the perfect marriage of great storytelling and the actors' clear commitment to character study — much like Mindhunter, the focus of the mystery dwells just as much, if not more, on the detectives' psyches as on the suspect.

True Detective's Other Seasons Aren't As Great, But They Are Worth Watching Too

Season 3 In Particular Is A Strong True Detective Installment

The True Detective franchise has a different setting and cast for every season. While the other seasons certainly have merit, season 1 is very difficult to beat in of its mood, storyline, and setting. There is a reason season 1 has held up so well — its moody and philosophical tone is for the more meditative viewer, but the last few episodes are hard-hitting, and even those struggling with its nihilistic view will be surprised and moved by the end.

The focus of the mystery dwells just as much, if not more, on the detectives' psyches.

Unfortunately, True Detective's other seasons do not quite live up to the masterpiece that was season 1, but they are still well worth a watch. Of all four seasons of True Detective, season 3 is arguably the strongest, with a great performance by Mahershala Ali in particular.

It's A Shame Mindhunter Was Canceled – There Was Nothing Like It On TV

Its Pace & Thoughtful Psychology Is Rarely Seen On TV

Mindhunter was officially canceled due to budget reasons. Although it is undoubtedly expensive to source all the period set pieces for the show, it is a real shame viewers won't get to see anymore, especially considering its significant viewership. Mindhunter's screenwriting and excellent casting really made it stand out as both a crime show and a period drama.

Related
You're Missing Out On An Overlooked Replacement For Mindhunter That's Already On Netflix

For those hoping to get their true crime fix in the same vein as Mindhunter, Netflix has an overlooked replacement show that needs to be seen.

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Again, Mindhunter is also a noteworthy slow burn, a pace rarely seen on Netflix shows. It rewards the patient viewer with disturbingly accurate depictions of the killers it includes in the storylines without glamorizing them and is therefore a more realistic depiction of the era than other shows like it. It is a travesty that its slower pace and darker tone don't have a place in the streaming economy.

  • Mindhunter TV Poster

    Your Rating

    Mindhunter
    Release Date
    2017 - 2019
    Showrunner
    Joe Penhall
    Directors
    David Fincher

    WHERE TO WATCH

    Streaming

    From executive producers David Fincher and Charlize Theron comes Mindhunter, a series that chronicles the founding of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit used to track and apprehend serial killers. Mindhunter follows Agent Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they work to establish a framework for understanding the minds of some of America's most dangerous serial killers. Mindhunter adapts a number of true crime stories, including the BTK murders and the notorious Co-Ed Killer, Edmund Kemper.

    Seasons
    2
  • Your Rating

    True Detective
    Release Date
    January 12, 2014
    Network
    HBO Max
    Showrunner
    Nic Pizzolatto

    WHERE TO WATCH

    Streaming

    True Detective is an anthology series exploring intricate criminal investigations through multiple timelines. Each season examines dark personal and professional secrets revealed during the course of solving complex cases, highlighting the impact of crime on individuals both within and outside the law enforcement community.

    Seasons
    4